CHICAGO (Feb. 10, 2010) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 announced today that 35 midwest communities have joined its Community Climate Change Initiative and committed to take action to reduce their town’s carbon footprint.

“Local governments play a critical role in addressing climate change,” said Cheryl Newton, EPA regional Air Division director. "Reducing greenhouse gases will not only help the environment, it will also help communities and citizens reduce waste and improve their bottom line by saving on energy costs."